2016 MERCEDES-BENZ G-Class warning lights

Setting climate control to automatic
GWARNING
If you switch off the cooling function, the vehi- cle will not be cooled when weather condi-
tions are warm. The windows can fog up more
quickly. Window fogging may impair visibility
and endanger you and others.
In automatic mode, the set temperature is main-
tained at a constant level. The system automat-
ically regulates the temperature of the dis-
pensed air, the airflow and the air distribution.
Automatic mode will achieve optimal operation
if cooling with air dehumidification is also acti-
vated. If desired, cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion can be deactivated.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2(Ypage 112)
in the ignition lock.
XSet the desired temperature.
XTo switch on: press theÃbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton lights
up. Automatic air distribution and airflow are
activated.
XTo deactivate: press the_button.
or
XPress the IorK button.
The indicator lamp in the Ãbutton goes
out.
Setting the temperature
You can set the temperature separately for the
driver's and front-passenger sides with con-
trols :orB (
Ypage 100).
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 112).
XSet control :orB (Ypage 100) to the
desired temperature.
Only change the temperature setting in small
increments. Start at 72 ‡ (22 †).
Setting the air distribution
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2(Ypage 112)
in the ignition lock.
XPress the _button repeatedly until the
desired symbol appears in the display. P
Directs the airflow through the center
vents
O Directs the airflow through the footwell
air vents
S Directs the airflow through the center
and footwell vents
¯ Directs air through the defroster vents
b Canada only: directs the airflow through
the defroster and center vents
a Directs air through the defroster and
footwell vents
_ Canada only: directs the airflow through
the defroster, center and side air vents
and the footwell
Setting the airflow
XTurn the SmartKey to position 2in the ignition
lock (Ypage 112).
XTo increase: press theKbutton.
XTo reduce: press theIbutton.
iThe airflow from the rear-compartment
vents and the center vents is the same.
Switching the ZONE function on/off
XTo switch on: press theábutton.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton lights
up.
iThe temperature setting for the driver's side
is not adopted for the front-passenger side
and the rear compartment. The temperature
for the front-passenger side and the rear com-
partment must be set separately.
XTo switch off: press buttoná.
The indicator lamp in the ábutton goes
out.
iThe temperature setting for the driver's side
is adopted for the front-passenger side and
the rear compartment.
Defrosting the windshield
You can use this function to defrost the wind-
shield or to defrost the inside of the windshield
and the side windows.
iYou should only select the defrosting func-
tion until the windshield is clear again.
Operating the climate control systems105
Climate control
Z

XTurn the SmartKey to position2(Ypage 112)
in the ignition lock.
XTo activate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button lights
up.
The climate control system switches to the
following functions:
Rcooling with air dehumidification (only with
engine running)
Rhigh airflow (depending on the outside tem-
perature)
Rhigh temperature (depending on the out-
side temperature)
Rair distribution to the windshield and front
side windows
Rair-recirculation mode off
XTo deactivate: press the¬button.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. The previously selected settings are
restored. The cooling with air dehumidifica-
tion function remains on. Air-recirculation
mode remains deactivated.
or
XPress the Ãbutton.
The indicator lamp in the ¬button goes
out. Airflow and air distribution are set to
automatic mode.
or
XTurn controls :orB clockwise or counter-
clockwise (Ypage 100).
or
XPress the KorI button.
Activating/deactivating MAX COOL
maximum cooling
The MAX COOL function is only available in vehi-
cles for the USA.
MAX COOL is only operational when the engine
is running.
XTo activate: press theÙbutton.
The indicator lamp in the button lights up.
XTo activate: press off-road button Ù
again.
The indicator lamp goes out. The previously
selected settings are restored.
When you activate MAX COOL, climate control
switches to the following functions:
Rmaximum cooling
Rmaximum airflow
Rair-recirculation mode on
Defrosting the windows
Windows fogged up on the inside
XActivate the Ácooling with air dehumidi-
fication function.
XActivate automatic mode Ã.
XIf the windows continue to fog up, activate the
defrosting function (Ypage 105).
iYou should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
Windows fogged up on the outside
XSwitch on the windshield wipers (Ypage 96).
XPress the _button repeatedly until the
P orO symbol appears in the display.
iYou should only select this setting until the
windshield is clear again.
Switching the windshield defroster
on/off
GWARNING
Any accumulation of snow and ice should be
removed from the windshield before driving.
Otherwise, your vision may be impaired,
which could endanger you or others.
106Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

XTo deactivate:press thedbutton.
The indicator lamp in the dbutton goes
out.
iAir-recirculation mode switches off auto-
matically:
Rafter approximately five minutes at outside
temperatures below approximately 41 ‡
Rafter approximately five minutes if cooling
with air dehumidification is deactivated
Rafter approximately 30 minutes at outside
temperatures above approximately 41 ‡
(5 †)
Convenience opening or closing using
the air-recirculation button
GWARNING
When the convenience closing feature is oper- ating, parts of the body could become trapped
in the closing area of the side window and the
sliding sunroof. There is a risk of injury.
Observe the complete closing procedure
when the convenience closing feature is oper-
ating. Make sure that no body parts are in
close proximity during the closing procedure.
GWARNING
During convenience opening parts of the body could be drawn in or become trapped
between the side window and window frame.
There is a risk of injury.
Make sure that nobody touches the side win-
dow during the opening procedure. If some-
one becomes trapped, immediately press
the W switch in the door to stop the move-
ment of the side windows. To continue closing
the side window, pull on the Wswitch.
XConvenience closing feature: press and
hold the grocker switch up or down until
the side windows and the sliding sunroof start
to close automatically.
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch lights up. Air-recirculation mode is
activated.
If you manually open the side windows or the
sliding sunroof after closing with the conve- nience closing feature, they will remain in this
position when opened.
If parts of the body are in the closing area during
convenience closing, proceed as follows:
XPress the Wbutton to stop the side win-
dows.
The side window stops.
XTo then open the side windows, press the
W button again.
XPress the 3switch to stop the sliding sun-
roof.
The sliding sunroof stops.
XTo then open the sliding sunroof, pull back on
the 3 switch.
XConvenience opening feature: press and
hold the grocker switch up or down until
the side windows and the sliding sunroof start
to open automatically.
The indicator lamp above the grocker
switch goes out. Air-recirculation mode is
deactivated.
Activating/deactivating the residual
heat function
The "residual heat" function is only available in
Canada.
It is possible to make use of the residual heat of
the engine to continue heating the stationary
vehicle for up to 30 minutes after the engine has
been switched off. The heating time depends on the coolant temperature and on the interior tem-
perature that has been set.
iThe blower will run at a low speed regardless
of the airflow setting.
iIf you activate the residual heat function at
high temperatures, only the ventilation will be
activated.
XTurn the SmartKey to position 0(Ypage 112)
in the ignition lock or remove it.
XTo activate: press theÁbutton.
The indicator lamp in the Ábutton lights
up.
108Operating the climate control systems
Climate control

Wear suitable footwear to ensure correct
usage of the pedals.
GWARNING
If you switch off the ignition while driving,
safety-relevant functions are only available
with limitations, or not at all. This could affect, for example, the power steering and the brake
boosting effect. You will require considerably
more effort to steer and brake. There is a risk
of an accident.
Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
GWARNING
If the parking brake has not been fully
released when driving, the parking brake can:
Roverheat and cause a fire
Rlose its hold function.
There is a risk of fire and an accident. Release
the parking brake fully before driving off.
!Warm up the engine quickly. Do not use the
engine's full performance until it has reached
operating temperature.
Only shift the automatic transmission to the
desired drive position when the vehicle is sta-
tionary.
Where possible, avoid spinning the drive
wheels when pulling away on slippery roads.
You could otherwise damage the drive train.
!Avoid high engine speeds when the engine
is cold. The engine's service life could other-
wise be significantly shortened. Do not use
the engine's full performance until it has
reached operating temperature.
!AMG vehicles: at low engine oil tempera-
tures below 68 ‡ (+20 †), the maximum
engine speed is restricted in order to protect the engine. To protect the engine and main-
tain smooth engine operation, avoid driving at
full throttle when the engine is cold.
SmartKey positions
gTo remove the SmartKey
1Power supply for some consumers, such as
the windshield wipers
2Ignition (power supply for all consumers)
and drive position
3To start the engine
As soon as the ignition is switched on, all the
indicator lamps in the instrument cluster light
up. If an indicator lamp does not go out after
starting the engine or lights up while driving, see
(
Ypage 205).
If the SmartKey is in position 0in the ignition
lock for an extended period of time, it can no
longer be turned in the ignition lock. The steer-
ing is then locked. To unlock, remove the Smart-
Key and reinsert it into the ignition lock.
The steering is locked when you remove the
SmartKey from the ignition lock.
XRemove the SmartKey when the engine is
switched off.
The starter battery could otherwise be dis-
charged.
If you cannot turn the SmartKey in the ignition
lock, the starter battery may not be charged
sufficiently.
XCheck the starter battery and charge it if nec-
essary (Ypage 252).
or
XJump-start the vehicle (Ypage 254).
iYou can only remove the SmartKey if:
Rthe SmartKey is in position 0in the ignition
lock.
Rthe automatic transmission selector lever
is in P.
112Driving
Driving and parking

ProblemPossible causes/consequences andMSolutions
The coolant temperature
gage shows a value
above 248 ‡ (120 †). A
display message may
also appear in the multi-
function display and a
warning tone may sound.The coolant level is too low. The coolant is too hot and the engine is no
longer being cooled sufficiently.
XStop as soon as possible and allow the engine and the coolant to
cool down.
XCheck the coolant level (Ypage 238). Observe the warning notes
as you do so and add coolant if necessary.
If the coolant level is correct, the radiator fan may be faulty. The cool-
ant is too hot and the engine is no longer being cooled sufficiently.
XAt coolant temperatures below 248 ‡(120 †), drive to the nearest
qualified specialist workshop.
XAvoid heavy loads on the engine as you do so, e.g. driving in moun-
tainous terrain and stop-and-go traffic.
Adjustable damping
General notes
With the adjustable damping you can choose
between two different suspension settings.
Suspension settings
COMFComfortable suspension setting
SportSports suspension setting
Selecting the suspension setting
Program selector button in the center console
iIf you select the sports suspension setting,
the vehicle will dampen more roughly.
XPress SPORT on program selector button :.
The indicator lamp lights up. SPORTis shown
in the multifunction display. The sports sus-
pension setting is selected.
iIf you select the comfortable suspension
setting, the vehicle will dampen more
smoothly.
XPress COMF on program selector button :.
The indicator lamp lights up. COMFis shown
in the multifunction display. The comfortable
suspension setting is selected.
Automatic transmission
Important safety notes
GWARNING
If the engine speed is above the idling speed
and you engage transmission position Dor R,
the vehicle could pull away suddenly. There is
a risk of an accident.
When engaging transmission position Dor R,
always firmly depress the brake pedal and do not simultaneously accelerate.
GWARNING
The automatic transmission switches to neu-
tral position Nwhen you switch off the engine.
The vehicle may roll away. There is a risk of an
accident.
After switching off the engine, always switch
to parking position P. Prevent the parked vehi-
cle from rolling away by applying the parking
brake.
118Automatic transmission
Driving and parking

Never use the brake pedal as a footrest. Never
depress the brake pedal and the accelerator
pedal at the same time.
!Depressing the brake pedal constantly
results in excessive and premature wear to
the brake pads.
If the brakes have been subjected to a heavy
load, do not stop the vehicle immediately, but
drive on for a short while. This allows the airflow
to cool the brakes more quickly.
Wet roads
If driving in heavy rain for a prolonged period of time without braking, there may be a delayed
reaction from the brakes when braking for the
first time. This may also occur after the vehicle
has been washed.
You have to depress the brake pedal more
firmly. Maintain a greater distance from the
vehicle in front.
After driving on a wet road or having the vehicle washed, brake firmly while paying attention to
the traffic conditions. This will warm up the
brake discs, thereby drying them more quickly
and protecting them against corrosion.
Limited braking performance on salt-
treated roads
If you drive on salted roads, a layer of salt resi-
due may form on the brake discs and brake
pads. This can result in a significantly longer
braking distance.
RBrake occasionally to remove any possible
salt residue. Make sure that you do not
endanger other road users when doing so.
RCarefully depress the brake pedal and the
beginning and end of a journey.
RMaintain a greater distance to the vehicle
ahead.
Servicing the brakes
!If the brake warning lamp lights up in the
instrument cluster and you hear a warning
tone even though the parking brake has been released, the brake fluid level may be too low.
Observe additional warning messages in the
multifunction display.
The brake fluid level may be too low due to
brake pad wear or leaking brake lines. Have the brake system checked immediately.
This work should be carried out at a qualified
specialist workshop.
!A function or performance test should only
be carried out on a 2-axle dynamometer. If
you are planning to have the vehicle tested on
such a dynamometer, contact an authorized
Mercedes-Benz Center to obtain further infor-
mation first. Otherwise, you could damage
the drive train or the brake system.
!As the ESP®system operates automatically,
the engine and the ignition must be switched
off (the SmartKey must be in position 0or 1in
the ignition lock) if the parking brake is tested
on a brake dynamometer (for a maximum of
ten seconds).
Braking applications triggered automatically
by ESP
®may otherwise seriously damage the
brake system.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only have
brake pads/linings installed on your vehicle
which have been approved for Mercedes-Benz
vehicles or which correspond to an equivalent
quality standard. Brake pads/linings which have
not been approved for Mercedes-Benz vehicles
or which are not of an equivalent quality could
affect your vehicle's operating safety.
Mercedes-Benz recommends that you only use
brake fluid that has been specially approved for
your vehicle by Mercedes-Benz, or which corre-
sponds to an equivalent quality standard. Brake
fluid which has not been approved for
Mercedes-Benz vehicles or which is not of an
equivalent quality could affect your vehicle's
operating safety.
All checks and maintenance work on the brake
system must be carried out at a qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
Have brake pads installed and brake fluid
replaced at a qualified specialist workshop.
If your brake system is subject only to moderate
loads, you should test the functionality of your
brakes at regul ar interva
ls by pressing firmly on
the brake pedal at high speeds. This improves
the grip of the brake pads.
You can find a description of Brake Assist (BAS)
on (
Ypage 56).
134Driving tips
Driving and parking

The following driving systems are specially
adapted to off-road driving:
R4ETS (Ypage 57)
RTransfer case (Ypage 162)
RDifferential locks (Ypage 162)
Observe the following notes:
Rstop your vehicle and, if necessary, shift the
transfer case to LOW RANGE(Ypage 162)
before driving off-road.
Rin transfer case position LOW RANGEthe
ECO start/stop function is not available
(
Ypage 114).
Rengage the differential locks, if necessary
(Ypage 165).
iABS, 4ETS, ESP®and BAS are deactivated
while the differential locks are engaged. This
allows the front wheels to lock briefly, so that
these can dig into a loose surface. However,
please note that locked wheels skid and can
no longer steer.
RCheck that items of luggage and loads are
stowed safely and are well secured
(
Ypage 219).
RTo avoid damaging the vehicle, make sure
there is always sufficient ground clearance.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a downhill gradient.
RAlways keep the engine running and in gear
when driving on a slope.
RDrive slowly and evenly, if necessary at a
walking pace.
REnsure that the wheels are in contact with the
ground at all times.
RDrive with extreme care on unfamiliar off-road routes where visibility is poor. For safety rea-
sons, get out of the vehicle first and survey
the off-road route.
RCheck the depth of water before fording rivers
and streams.
RWhen fording, do not stop and do not switch
off the engine.
RLook out for obstacles, such as rocks, holes,
tree stumps and furrows.
RAlways keep the doors, rear door, side win-
dows and the sliding sunroof closed while the
vehicle is in motion.
RSwitch off cruise control.
RDo not stray from marked routes or paths.
RAdapt your speed to the terrain. The rougher,
steeper or more ruts on the terrain, the slower
your speed should be.
RDrive slowly and at an even speed through the
water. Ensure that a bow wave does not form
as you drive.
ROn sand, drive quickly to overcome the rolling resistance. Otherwise the vehicle's wheels
could become st
uck in loose ground.
RDo not jump with the vehicle as this will inter-
rupt the vehicle's propulsion.
RAvoid high engine speeds. Drive at appropri-
ate engine speeds (maximum 3,000 rpm).
RDo not shift the automatic transmission to
transmission position N.
RAlways check the vehicle for damage after off-
road driving.
iInformation about retrofitting special all-ter-
rain tires is available from any qualified spe-
cialist workshop.
iDo not use the HOLD function when driving
off-road, on steep uphill or downhill gradients
or on slippery or loose surfaces. The HOLD
function cannot hold the vehicle on such sur-
faces.
Checklist before driving off-road
!If the engine oil warning lamp lights up while
the vehicle is in motion, stop the vehicle in a
safe place as soon as possible. Check the
engine oil level. The engine oil warning lamp
warning must not be ignored. Continuing the
journey while the symbol is displayed could
lead to engine damage.
XOil level: check the engine oil level and add oil
if necessary.
Only then does the engine receive enough oil when the vehicle is on a steep incline.
XTire-changing tool kit: check that the jack is
working and make sure you have the lug
wrench, a robust tow cable and a folding
spade in the vehicle.
XWheels and tires: check the tire tread depth
and tire pressure.
XCheck for damage and remove any foreign
objects, e.g. small stones, from the wheels/
tires.
XReplace any missing valve caps.
138Driving tips
Driving and parking

ATo switch between cruise control and varia-
ble SPEEDTRONIC
BTo deactivate cruise control
If you fail to adapt your driving style, SPEED-
TRONIC can neither reduce the risk of accident
nor override the laws of physics. SPEEDTRONIC
cannot take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid. You
are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time
and for staying in lane. Only engage SPEED-
TRONIC when the current road, weather and
traffic conditions permit it to be done safely.
Drive carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the vehicle in front.
XCheck whether LIM indicator lamp ;is on.
If it is on, variable SPEEDTRONIC is already
selected.
If it is not, press the cruise control lever in the
direction of arrow A.
LIM indicator lamp ;in the cruise control
lever lights up. Variable SPEEDTRONIC is
selected.
Storing the current speed
:To activate or increase speed
;LIM indicator lamp
=To activate at the current speed/last stored speed
?To activate or reduce speed
ATo switch between cruise control and varia-
ble SPEEDTRONIC
BTo deactivate cruise control
You can use the cruise control lever to limit the speed to any speed above 18 mph while the
engine is running.
XBriefly press the cruise control lever up :or
down ?.
The current speed is stored and shown in the
multifunction display.
Calling up the last speed stored
:To activate or increase speed
;LIM indicator lamp
=To activate at the current speed/last stored speed
?To activate or reduce speed
ATo switch between cruise control and varia-
ble SPEEDTRONIC
BTo deactivate cruise control
If you fail to adapt your driving style, SPEED-
TRONIC can neither reduce the risk of accident
nor override the laws of physics. SPEEDTRONIC
cannot take account of road, weather and traffic
conditions. SPEEDTRONIC is only an aid. You
are responsible for the distance to the vehicle in
front, for vehicle speed, for braking in good time
and for staying in your lane. Only activate
SPEEDTRONIC when the prevailing road,
weather and traffic conditions permit. Drive
carefully and maintain a suitable distance to the
vehicle in front.
XBriefly pull the cruise control lever towards
you =.
iIf you call up the stored speed and your cur-
rent speed is higher, you will hear a warning
tone. You will see the Limit Exceeded
mes-
sage in the multifunction display.
iIf no speed is stored, variable SPEED-
TRONIC stores the current speed and main-
tains it.
146Driving systems
Driving and parking